The three centre-backs Manchester United are studying transfers for

With Raphael Varane having departed Manchester United, the Red Devils are on the lookout for a young central defender ahead of next season.

Caught Offside has reported that the club has already opened talks for three players, namely Gonzalo Inacio, Odilon Kossounou and Jarrad Branthwaite over a potential summer transfer.

Here is a look at the three players and their suitability to Manchester United:

Gonzalo Inacio

Gonzalo Inacio has enjoyed a few good seasons with Sporting Lisbon and has also been linked with Liverpool, after it was revealed that he has a £51 million release clause in his contract.

The Portuguese international would perhaps be the pick of the lot given the experience he possesses despite being only 22 years old.

Inacio is brilliant in the aerial duels and brings a great passing range from the back, something which Manchester United have lacked in recent years.

Harry Maguire, who is likely to be the preferred centre-back next season is not great on the ball, while Victor Lindelof, the other central defender is poor aerially.

Inacio kills two birds with one stone and hence, would fit perfectly at Manchester United for a very reasonable transfer fee.

Odilon Kossounou

Odilon Kossounou is on the books of Bayer Leverkusen and was extremely important to Xabi Alonso’s side, which won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal to end a fairytale season.

It remains to be seen what Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price is for the Ivory Coast defender but the 23-year-old does not have as big a market as yet, so he could be available for less than expected.

Kossounou, however, has had only one great season at the top level and his lack of experience does not warrant signing for Manchester United, who are seeking a first-choice centre-back.

While he has great attributes like pace and physicality, there are better options available for United.

Jarrad Branthwaite

Jarrad Branthwaite has been on the Manchester United radar for several months and it looks imminent that he will be moving on from Everton sooner rather than later.

The 21-year-old is one of the best young defenders in the English top flight, and having already played a considerable amount of football in the Premier League, he could be ready to challenge for a spot at Old Trafford.

Given that Branthwaite would join from a domestic opponent, his asking price could be sky-high, a lot more than both, Inacio and Kossounou.

Whether or not Manchester United will be ready to pay through their nose remains to be seen, but all signs point against Sir Jim Ratcliffe spending big on one player with other additions also in the queue.

To conclude, Inacio’s experience and price seem like the best match for Manchester United. The Red Devils, however, will face stiff competition from Liverpool.

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The Reds’ Champions League qualification could end up making them favourites for the Portuguese, in which case, Branthwaite would be the perfect alternative.